Archive for the General Dentistry Category

Having a Hollywood smile is de rigeur in 2018 Windsor. Big beautiful smiles often require a certain amount of cosmetic dentistry, but looks aren’t everything, and underneath that luxury smile there needs to be a firm foundation of solid oral health. That’s why at Old Windsor Dental Practice, we take general dentistry in Berkshire very seriously.

After all, what’s the point in having beautiful veneers if underneath them your teeth are not in tip-top condition in terms of decay? Or what’s the point in investing tons of money in teeth whitening if your gum disease is out of control?

General dentistry is the umbrella term for all those treatments that keep your teeth strong and healthy or repair them if needed.

Check-ups

A check-up is the starting point for all general dentistry treatments. It’s when we take a good look at your teeth and gums and soft tissues. We are looking for signs of early decay, early gum disease and oral cancer. Most people need to come in for a check-up every six months. But some people need to come more often, such as those who have diabetes, or smoke. Also, if you are pregnant, which due to hormone changes, can make gum disease much worse.

Repairs

Should we find that you do need a filling, we can use white composite resin instead of amalgam. Not only does it look better, it requires the removal of far less healthy tooth material. If a large area needs filling, we can use inlays or onlays, or give you a crown.

Infections

If you get an infection in the soft inner pulp of your tooth, we can save it by cleaning out the infected pulp and filling the root and then sealing it. This is known as root canal treatment.

Extractions

When all hope is lost, or if you are having wisdom tooth trouble, we can remove your tooth under local anaesthetic.

Other services

We also do bite guards and treatments for jaw problems, and snoring and bad breath.

After that, you can have a Hollywood smile to rival even that of Tom Cruise.

It’s not something any dentist likes to end up doing, but sometimes we have to remove teeth. Somehow it feels like an admission of defeat on our part that we have not been able to save a tooth, and we never do it lightly here at Old Windsor Dental Practice.

However, there sometimes comes a point that we have filled, and crowned, and root canaled a tooth as much as we can and it still continues to fail. Sometimes there has been so much tooth material removed that the shell of the tooth can no longer withstand the powerful forces produced by chewing. Sometimes, despite our best effort, gum disease has become so far advanced that the tooth is so loose in its socket that it’s going to fall out soon anyway. Sometimes, it’s a wisdom tooth that is trying to come through at the wrong angle and is starting to affect the other teeth around it or has become infected. Whatever the reason, tooth extraction is still very much a part of our repertoire of treatments in general dentistry in Berkshire.

What to expect when you have an extraction

We like to know exactly what’s going on under the gum, so we may well take an x-ray to get the information;

We like you to be comfortable, so we will completely numb the area with a local anaesthetic. If you are very anxious (and who wouldn’t be?), we can also offer you sedation to relax you;

We will very carefully and gently extract your tooth.

Afterwards, you can expect there to be some swelling and tenderness that can go on for a few days. Pain and bleeding are the two main things to watch out for.

Painkillers

You can use over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen is a good choice. Don’t take aspirin as this can make the wound bleed.

Bleeding

Because the mouth is a wet area, you are not going to form a scab, but you will get a clot that it’s important to keep in place. Bleeding looks a lot worse than it is because your saliva increases the amount of liquid that comes out.

Everyone needs a smile that stands the test of time, and this is made possible by preventing problems before they even start. However, even if you have developed dental problems, an experienced dentist can help with personalised and comprehensive oral care.

At The Old Windsor Dental Practice, we are passionate about prevention and will be sure to give you reasons to smile every time you visit. Our experienced dentists will examine your teeth and clean them thoroughly. General dentistry in Berkshire includes a number of treatments such as check-ups and cleanings and root canal therapy among others.

Dental examinations

We strongly recommend all patients attend at least two check-ups and cleanings with our dentists and dental hygienists every year. This is an important step and should not be missed, even if you have generally good oral health. Common dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay can develop in such ways that patients do not realise anything is wrong until they have experienced significant damage. Our experienced dentists will identify these issues right away and provide the attention you need as soon as possible.

During your dental examination, your dentist will look into your oral health specifics with the help of digital x-rays and a visual examination. We are also happy to discuss personal goals or preferences you have for your personalised dental care, so we can provide effective recommendations. After that, our dental hygienist will thoroughly clear away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, leaving you with a beautiful and healthy smile.

Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment can save a tooth that otherwise would have been lost due to tooth decay or infection. Also known as an endodontic treatment, a root canal involves the removal of the infected tissue and nerve in the tooth. To ensure stability, a permanent filling is then applied. Dental crowns are also essential to protect the area from bacteria and further infection.

Prevention is better than cure

Focusing on prevention by visiting the dentist twice a year and having regular cleanings, will help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile. To learn more about general dentistry in Berkshire, do not hesitate to contact us today.

General dentistry is a wide branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of oral conditions that affect the teeth, the gums and the jaw. At Old Windsor in Berkshire, we offer a variety of dental treatments for the entire family, from root canal treatments to wisdom tooth extractions.

Our dentistry is primarily preventive and we encourage our patients to visit the practice for frequent dental check-ups and cleanings. Patients who suffer from advanced gum disease or decay are our priority and we aim to provide the best care possible in order to eliminate the problem and keep the rest of their teeth healthy for longer.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is an invasive procedure that occurs when the interior of the tooth is infected beyond repair. In this case, your dentist will strive to save the tooth by removing the infected material, cleaning the interior and sealing it with a dental filling. Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic and is relatively painless.

Wisdom teeth extractions

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to appear (though some people simply don’t have them). This can happen anywhere between the ages of 16 to 20. Most of the times, our mouths are not large enough to accommodate them and this can lead to crowding, infection and cavities, since they are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush.

For all these reasons, dentists recommend extracting them before they cause any serious problems. If you are in pain or feel discomfort in that part of your mouth, our dentists will look for swollen gums or signs of infection such as sensitivity and redness. A safe diagnosis can only be confirmed only with dental x-rays, which will also help determine the extent of the damage on the rest of the teeth and the gums. Wisdom teeth extraction is a safe and sterile procedure with very low infection risk. Our experienced dentists will keep you at ease throughout every step of the treatment.

If you have any questions about our general dentistry services, you can contact our friendly dental team and book an appointment.

General dentistry involves the diagnosing, preventing and treating of common dental conditions of the teeth and gums. Most dental practices these days practice preventive dentistry, aiming to stop condition like tooth decay and gum disease before they develop into serious oral threats. At Old Windsor in Berkshire, we believe that prevention is cure, therefore, we advise our patients to visit the practice at least twice a year.

Regular check-ups and cleanings will keep your teeth healthy and keep serious problems at bay. Our practice offers a number of general dentistry treatments from root canal therapy to emergency dental care. We also cater for pregnant women at every stage of their pregnancy.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is carried out when the living tissue in the tooth is infected and cannot be saved. Root canal treatment helps clean the infected part of the tooth and fill it with special materials that will seal it and keep away plaque and bacteria. It is not a preventive treatment, but it can help save your tooth and keep infection at bay.

Emergency dental care

Even if we take good care of our teeth, sometimes accidents happen and they are usually accompanied by a lot of pain and discomfort. Visiting the dentist as soon as possible after an accident involving your teeth is really important for your oral health. For instance, if you have knocked out a tooth, the sooner you visit the dentist, the better chances you have of saving it. At our practice we offer appointments for all dental emergencies from toothache to tooth and jaw trauma. Our experienced dentists will take care of your injuries and help you avoid additional dental complications in the future.

Oral care for pregnant women

At our practice, we also offer specialised dental care for pregnant women. Pregnancy can be really exciting and stressful at the same time, but we are here to take the stress away. If you are pregnant it is really important to visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and you are not in danger of developing a special kind of gum disease that is caused by pregnancy hormones.

When you are on the lookout for a new dentist, it is tempting to go for one that offers all sorts of cosmetic treatments, for the face as well as the teeth. However, the foundation of a beautiful smile is good general dentistry. In Berkshire, The Old Windsor Dental Practice offers a full range of treatments that form the basis of good oral health.

Emergency care

As well as routine check-ups and fillings, we offer emergency dental services for when you have chipped, broken or knocked out teeth, as well as severe toothache or infection, lost or broken crowns and facial swelling. When you come to us with an emergency, we will numb the pain and sterilise the affected area to prevent infection, before going on to make a thorough examination, which may include x-rays to ascertain the extent of the problem. Your damaged teeth will be restored, either temporarily or permanently, or, in severe cases, we will extract the tooth.

Root canal therapy

This treatment is for severely infected teeth, where the pulp of the tooth has become infected, such as with an abscess. It involves cleaning out the infected pulp from the roots of the tooth and then filling the roots before placing a protective and strengthening crown over the area. This treatment is done under local anaesthetic, and, because you will probably be in pain from the infection, we will be very careful to make sure the treatment is pain-free, and can also offer you sedation if you are still anxious.

Extractions and oral surgery

General dentistry sometimes also involves having a tooth removed. If you need to have a tooth extracted, either because it is an impacted wisdom tooth, or because it is severely infected and cannot be saved, we have the latest equipment, anaesthetics and, if necessary, sedation, to make the extraction as easy and pain-free as possible. If you do need to have an extraction, you may then need to go on to consider replacing the lost tooth with a dental implant, bridge or denture.

Ask us, we’d love to help

Whatever your needs for general dentistry in Berkshire, at TheOld Windsor Dental Practice, we are here to answer your questions. Our principal dentist Dr Utpalendu Bose is happy to answer your questions, so why not use our online form to find out more.

Dental emergencies can happen to anybody, at any time of the day or night. They can be both painful and frightening, and the most important thing to do is get in touch with an emergency dentist as soon as possible after the emergency occurs. Prompt intervention is key to successful treatment.

Attending regular general dentistry appointments for check-ups can help minimise your risk of experiencing an emergency situation, but at Old Windsor Dental Practice we know that even those of us with excellent dental health can experience unfortunate accidents. Therefore, we offer same day emergency dentist appointments to all patients.

The first priority at any emergency dental appointment will be to get you out of pain. Depending on the nature and severity of your emergency, it may be necessary to attend further follow-up appointments to fully complete your treatment. However, we always endeavour to get you out of pain at the first visit.

Below are some common dental emergencies, along with what your Old Windsor emergency dentist may do.

Unbearable toothache

Pain is our body’s way of telling us something isn’t right, and dental pain can be severe. It is often an indicator of infection or advanced decay.

Toothache should never be ignored – if it is bearable with the help of over-the-counter painkillers, you should book the next available appointment with your dentist. If it is unbearable, it is time to call the emergency dentist.

Your dentist will establish what is causing the pain. If it is caused by decay, your dentist may be able to remove this and fill the tooth at one appointment. If infection is the reason, you may require follow-up appointments for root canal treatment to fully cure the condition.

Knocked out tooth

Sometimes you can put a knocked out tooth back in the socket yourself – clean it with saliva if necessary and carefully try to put it back, then bite down on a clean paper towel and come to see the emergency dentist.

Never try to force the tooth back in, and never try to reinsert a child’s milk tooth. If your dentist can put your tooth back they will strap it to surrounding teeth for support, whilst if they can’t you will need follow-up appointments for tooth replacement options.

Your dentist doesn’t just protect the health of your teeth and gums – they also have an important role to play in preserving your general health and wellbeing. Old Windsor Dental Practice offers a full spectrum of general dentistry for patients of all ages, helping to keep you happy and healthy for life.

Standard advice is to come in for a general dental check-up every six months. However, some people may need to come in more frequently – for example, if you have a condition such as gum disease that requires monitoring – whilst those in good oral health may need to come less often. The best thing to do is to listen to your dentist’s advice and follow what they say.

A general dental check-up involves a thorough check-up of the health and condition of your teeth and gums. The problem with both tooth decay and gum disease is that they often have few early warning signs for you to notice at home.

At our Old Windsor clinic we use early detection techniques, which includes the use of x-rays as required to look inside your teeth and under any existing restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings, to make sure that teeth that look healthy really are in excellent condition.

Both dental decay and gum disease are leading causes of tooth loss, and both are entirely preventable with prudent oral hygiene and regular visits to both the dentist and hygienist. As with most things, they are also easier to treat the earlier you catch them

Tooth loss can make it hard to eat a nutritious diet, whilst gum disease has been linked in numerous medical studies to a range of general health concerns, from heart disease to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis to strokes. If any signs of decay or disease are spotted, your dentist will treat them promptly.

Checking for early signs of mouth cancer also play an important part of a general dental examination. This type of cancer still has a high ratio of deaths to number of cases diagnosed, and early detection is vitally important. Your dentist will refer you to a hospital specialist should anything suspicious be spotted.

Regular visits to your dental practice for general dentistry check-ups should be as much a part of your healthy living routine as visits to the gym and ensuring you have a varied and nutritious diet. Dental health problems can have an impact on your general health and wellbeing, so ensuring your teeth and gums are in tip-top condition has many benefits.

At Old Windsor Dental Practice we welcome new patients of all ages who are in need of general dental care. We have a skilled collection of professionals at our Old Windsor clinic, so whether you require a general dental check-up or more extensive care, we are able to provide it all under one roof at our modern dental practice.

We have a firm focus on preventative dentistry at Old Windsor Dental Practice, stopping problems before they start or treating them promptly if they do arise.

When you come in for a general dentistry check-up, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. This will include an oral cancer check as standard; if anything suspicious is spotted you will be referred immediately to a hospital consultant for further investigation.

Your dentist is also in a prime position to spot the early signs of both gum disease and tooth decay – often before you have even experienced any symptoms that are noticeable at home.

Teeth can look healthy on the inside but have problems on the inside. X-rays will be used to check the true health of your teeth, as well as to check around and beneath any existing restorations such as crowns, fillings, and bridgework.

Gum disease has been linked in some studies to general health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroked. Again, your dentist is often able to spot the very early warning signs of this condition even before any of the traditional symptoms – such as blood in the sink after you brush your teeth – show themselves. Early intervention from your dentist and/or hygienist can treat gum disease before it becomes serious, restoring you to full oral health.